Forever May Not Be Long Enough Chapter 13

Oct 08, 2007 12:16

I really appreciate all the support I've been getting on this story! Thanks again. Here's another chapter. I hope you like it. Let me know! :D

Story: Forever May Not Be Long Enough
Pairing/Characters: Collie, Chloe/Jimmy, mentions of past Clana, Lexana & Lollie
Rating: R
Disclaimer: don’t own anything
Warning: slash, mentions of m/m sex
Spoilers: season 7 (parts of it is true, others I made up)
Summary: After graduation, Clark knows he needs to go for his training and it causes him to make some tough choices.
Previous Chapters: Here

Chapter 13

Oliver stared at the spot where Clark had been. What just happened? This couldn’t be real. No, this was not how it was supposed to go at all. Clark running out had not been part of the plan. His boyfriend had been acting strange all night though.

Clark had probably thought Oliver hadn’t noticed but he had. He just thought the night was salvageable. Despite his nervousness, Clark seemed to be having a good time. Then that dance happened. And everything changed.

The guilt on Clark’s face told him everything that needed to be said. He didn’t need to ask why Clark looked so ashamed. What was the point in asking questions that he already knew the answers to? It was confirmation, though . . . confirmation to everything he had been dreading.

He had heard it from Lois and it had been supported by Chloe but Oliver had wanted to hear it from Clark. Clark hadn’t said the words but his actions proved that he was, indeed, cheating. Oliver didn’t know what his running away meant but he couldn’t think about it, didn’t want to think about it.

Part of him realized that this night may give him answers that he would not like. But now he was wishing he hadn’t asked the questions.

The truth hurts. Yeah, no kidding.

It took a good half an hour before Chloe could calm Clark down long enough so he would explain what happened. Once he started talking, he found he couldn’t stop. Chloe was stunned at the story.

“So what you’re saying,” she summarized, “is that your boyfriend planned a romantic evening out for you and you ran away?”

Clark nodded miserably. “I just felt so awful, I couldn’t stand there and pretend nothing was wrong.” He sniffed. “You should’ve seen him Chloe . . . he was so amazing. He has been working so hard to make this night magical for me. I can’t imagine the time and money he must have spent. And here I was, plotting for the end of our relationship. Still, I tried so hard to keep it together but then there was that song . . .”

Tears filled his eyes again and spilled over, as the memories hit him. He thought he was all cried out. Apparently not. Chloe comforted him immediately.

“Clark, it’s okay, we don’t have to talk about this tonight,” she assured him. “Get some sleep and we’ll discuss it in the morning.” He smiled weakly.

“Thanks Chloe.”

Chloe gave him a sympathetic smile. “You don’t have to thank me, Clark. Now go get some rest.”

“Good night,” Clark said.

“Night Clark,” Chloe replied. He headed to his bedroom and slipped into his pajamas. Then, he crawled into his bed. Shifting slightly, he glanced at the smiling picture of Oliver and him, still resting on his dresser.

Fresh tears emerged as he noticed how happy they looked. And as he realized that they would never be that happy ever again.

Chloe shut the door softly. Clark had finally fallen asleep. Actually, he had cried himself to sleep. Her heart ached for her best friend, who was so heartbroken. And it ached for Oliver, who was doing God knows what right now. She wanted to call him to make sure he was okay but that would alert him on Clark’s whereabouts. That erased it as a possibility.

For what felt like the millionth time since they began, she cursed this plan. Clark had claimed it was for the best and that they had no choice. But how could something that hurt two people she loved so much be for the best?

She had her own theories on why Oliver had not confronted Clark and instead, had set up the romantic evening he had but she would keep them to herself for now. Clark and she had plans to talk in the morning anyway.

Right now, she would go to bed and get some rest. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.

Oliver stumbled into his penthouse around two in the morning. He had stayed for hours, hoping stupidly that Clark would come back. But of course, he hadn’t. Eventually, he gave up and left, returning home.

He looked around the empty penthouse and was downcast. Clark has been here. His scent lingered in the room. Slowly, he made his way to the bedroom and the door, as he expected, was slightly open.

Clark has been here and he has seen my surprise. This was supposed to be the perfect ending for their night. In his mind, Clark was thrilled with the surprise and they spent the evening enjoying one another’s company. Then, they would return to the penthouse, where they could profess their love in ways that are more physical.

The next few days would’ve been spent talking . . . about everything. Oliver would not even have to confront Clark on his cheating, Clark would share that information on his own. They would talk about why Clark felt the need to stray and what they would do to see it didn’t happen again.

Oliver would be hurt and upset and mistrusting of Clark but Clark would be more than willing to win back his trust. Eventually, he would and they’d be happy.

Talk about an idealistic view of the future, Queen. Disney called, they want their script back.

He realized it was a tad bit unrealistic but he had his hopes. Somehow, he had remained optimistic about their situation and truly believed their relationship was strong enough to cross the hurdles they were facing.

His heart, even though it was being broken on a daily basis, had carried a bit of hope for a happier future.

After tonight, even that was gone.

Sunshine, which he usually basked in, as it gave him his abilities, stirred him out of his sleep and caused him to groan. Sunshine meant the morning had come and he had survived the night. But the arrival of the new day meant facing what happened the night before and Clark just wasn’t ready.

Opening his eyes, he blinked a few times, getting used to the light. He groggily looked around the room and remembered where he was. Oh, God, last night . . . Ollie. The memories returned at full force and he wanted to bury himself back in the blankets.

However, he knew avoiding the world was not an option. There was less than a week till he had to leave. Action would have to be taken and soon.

By the time he got ready, Chloe was already in the kitchen. She handed him a cup of coffee and toast.

“Thanks Chlo,” he said gratefully.

“You’re lucky,” Chloe said, “Lois is not here . . . so we can talk in peace.”

He nodded and they both sat at the table. “All right Clark,” Chloe said. “What’s going on?”

“I don’t know Chlo,” Clark replied honestly. “I mean, I was waiting on a breakup and instead, he sets up this amazingly romantic night. For the most part I was making it through and then this song comes on . . . and I just couldn’t do it anymore. I left.”

“And you came here,” Chloe finished.

“No, I went back to the penthouse first,” Clark told her. “And in the bedroom . . . it was all decorated and that’s when I came here.”

“What are you going to do now?” Chloe questioned.

“I’m not sure,” Clark admitted. Chloe hesitated for a moment. “Chlo? If you have a suggestion, please spill.”

“Clark,” Chloe suggested, “Maybe . . . maybe it’s time to stop the plan. It’s obviously not working and Oliver is fighting harder than ever to salvage your relationship. We’ve done our best . . . shouldn’t we concede?”

“Concede?” Clark repeated. “Chlo, I can’t do that.”

“Why not?” Chloe demanded. “Clark, I thought about it and Oliver didn’t break up with your because he thinks you two can work through this. Which means that even if he thinks you’ve been cheating on him, he wants to get past it. How is it fair that we’re continually messing with his mind?”

“What do you want me to do Chloe?” Clark asked desperately. “Go to him and be like ‘Oh, Ollie, by the way, the whole thing was a set up. I’m not really cheating on you, and oh yeah, I’m leaving in a couple of days. See you in a couple of years’.”

“Not those exact words,” Chloe replied, frowning. “And will it really take years?”

“I’m not sure, Chloe,” Clark confessed. “But Jor-El said a while so I’m pretty positive I won’t be back in six months.”

“What a mess,” Chloe sighed.

“Don’t you see, Chlo?” Clark persisted. “We’re too far into this. There’s no going back now. We have to finish it.”

“All right,” Chloe said reluctantly. “You’re not going to back down, are you?”

He shook his head. “No,” he said firmly. “If anything, this has just strengthened my determination. Look at him, Chlo, he does so much. He deserves more than me and I’m going to make sure he gets it. Or at least has the opportunity to get it.”

“Well, if you need a new plan,” Chloe said, “I’m going to need to think about it.”

“No need,” Clark said. “I already came up with something.”

Chloe raised an eyebrow, surprised. “You have?”

“Yeah,” Clark said. “But I’m going to need your help.”

Chloe glanced at Clark’s expression and her heart sank. She was not going to like this plan.

God help us all.

Clark not coming home that night should’ve been something he was used to but that particular night, it hurt more than ever. Where had he gone? Did he even want to know? He hadn’t even want to get out of bed that morning. Oliver felt as if his day was going in slow motion. The first thing he did when he got up was check his phone to see if Clark had called.

He hadn’t. You shouldn’t be so surprised, he did leave. Did you really think he was going to call and let you know where he is? Pathetic.

His inner voice really cruel and he hated that it was right. “Okay,” Oliver muttered, “Enough of this inactivity. I’ve tried everything . . . it’s time for a confrontation. I want answers and I want them now.”

And he was going to get them. He had spent most the morning pitying himself but not anymore. Nobody, not even Clark Kent, was going to break his willpower. This situation would be settled. He had been nice, he had been understanding but that didn’t work so it was time to be demanding. His boyfriend would not escape so easily this time.

First, he would have to find out where Clark was.

Clark looked around his loft. Chloe and he had worked out the last details of the plan. This time, there wouldn’t be room for doubt. It ends tonight.

Chloe had not been too pleased with his plot but she had agreed to go along with it. He hated what he was doing to her but he couldn’t do this alone. This portion of the plan, he needed her more than ever.

But before he broke Oliver’s heart one final time, he had something to do. Setting up the video camera, he aimed it at the couch. Making sure it was on and recording, he took a seat.

Taking a deep breath, he began. “Hi Ollie, I know you’re wondering why I am doing this but there is something I have to tell you . . .”

Calling Clark’s cell phone was a dumb idea but Oliver did it anyway. Clark didn’t pick up. If he didn’t want to be found, he wouldn’t pick up.

Why he wasted time calling the apartment he didn’t know but his next stop, Chloe, would be much more successful.

“Sullivan,” Chloe answered.

“Good afternoon, Chloe,” Oliver said.

“Oliver?” Chloe said.

“How are you doing?” Oliver asked politely.

“Fine,” Chloe said, a hint of nervousness in her voice. “What can I do for you Oliver?” Now, Chloe, why are you nervous? Is it because you have something to hide? Like, perhaps, my boyfriend?

”You can tell me where Clark is,” Oliver said, not wasting time on being subtle.

“Clark?” Chloe squeaked. “Why would I know where Clark is?”

“Stop being naïve Chloe,” Oliver said, exasperated. “Clark’s probably contacted you and told you what took place last night. He’s gone and I need to find him. It is in your best interests to just let me know where he is.”

“Oliver, I don’t know where he is,” Chloe insisted.

“Chloe,” Oliver said, his tone slightly colder. “Stop lying to me. This is my boyfriend we’re dealing with. Either you are going to tell me over the phone, or I am going to come over there and it will be a lot more awkward. And trust me, if I have to come over there, this will be a lot less pleasant.”

“Are you threatening me?” Chloe asked.

“Let’s call it a warning,” Oliver said. “Now how about the details?” He sighed, his anger dying as quickly as it came. “Chloe, he’s playing games . . . and I know he’s your best friend. But I can’t do this anymore. I need to find him.”

“I know,” Chloe acknowledged. “I do know what happened last night . . . he spent the night at the apartment. But he took off early this morning. I have no clue where he is.”

“Now how am I supposed to find him?” Oliver said. Usually he was more suave than this, quicker on his feet. It was difficult to be rational though, when you were running around with a broken heart.

Chloe paused. “Well, if you want to track him down, I could GPS his cell phone.”

Of course! “Would he have it on?” Oliver wanted to know.

“He always does,” Chloe replied. “Give me a few minutes.”

That was such an obvious solution. Why didn’t he think about that? At least Chloe did.

A few minutes later, as promised, Chloe was back on the line. “He’s at the farm.”

“Thanks Chloe,” Oliver said gratefully. “I appreciate this.”

“You’re welcome, Oliver,” Chloe said. But she sounded off, even as they said their goodbyes. Was there guilt in her tone? He couldn’t tell but at this point, he was focused on other things.

He had a boyfriend to find. Getting ready, he quickly got to his car and went at full speed toward the Kent Farm. It made sense that Clark would be there and he felt a little foolish for not checking there before. But it was better to hear it from Chloe before he made the hour’s trip to Smallville and just wasted more time.

Fortunately, there wasn’t any traffic and he arrived in Smallville on schedule. Parking in front of the farm, he stepped out and hoped he hadn’t made too much noise. The last thing he wanted to do was have Clark hear him and flee. Then he would have no hope of finding him again.

Where would Clark be? The loft . . . that’s where Clark spent most of his time, when he was on the farm.

Slowly, he made his way up the stairs and onto the area, which he knew so well.

He started to say Clark’s name but the words died on his lips before they got out. Because sitting on the couch, the couch where they shared so many memories, was his boyfriend . . . making out with another woman.

Chapter 14

category: slash, collie, story: forever may not be long enough, fanfic, fandom: smallville, ship: clark/oliver

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